march 2008 newsletter

Brothers, it is hard to believe how fast time flies. It seems like we are just beginning a month and then the next month is upon us. This thought has caused me to think about the time we have on this earth to make a difference. We get so busy in our business lives or our daily grind we neglect those that are truly precious to us. I know that I do, I like to stay busy, and this draws my attention away from the things that really matter. Last weekend, I went down with our Parish to pray for the unborn at Planned Parenthood.. I walked away an emotional wreck; the experience truly touched me. I felt the pain of the young women leaving the clinic after their abortion; their faces, drawn and sad. As we prayed for the staff that escorted the young women in for the abortion, what went through my mind was "harden not your heart and cease not to have understanding". The good news is two young women decided not to have abortions, and left the clinic. I plan on going back to pray, and if any of you would like to go, just let me know.

Congratulations to all the Knights who work so hard to make our Council what it is, especially Joe Sala, Knight of the Month and Fran and Vince Greco, Family of the Month - Joe and Vince are only two of many knights that do so very much for our council.

May God bless you and your family this Lenten season.

Vivat Jesus
Gary Tadvick, GK

STAR COUNCIL

Dave Jones, State Secretary, recently presented Council 7406 with its Star Council award. The plaque was presented to Grand Knight Gary Tadvick in ceremonies during the business meeting on February 25. The award, won by 25 councils out of 120 North Carolina councils is one of the highest KofC council awards that can be won. The criteria for winning include meeting goals in membership recruitment, membership retention, newly written insurance and overall activities of the Council. Congratulations Brothers for a job well done!

GOLF CLASSIC

Vince Greco announces that plans for the April 23 Golf Classic are going full steam ahead. A number of foursomes have been signed along with six sponsors (as of February 25). Vince says that he hopes that the Classic becomes an annual event for the Council. All levels of golfers are welcome to come out and test the Birkdale course in Huntersville. The $85 entry fee includes all charges including breakfast and lunch.
Initial plans call for two hole-in-one contests, one of which is a new car from Randy Marion Chevrolet. The other hole-in-one prize is a full year of golf at several of the top clubs in the Charlotte area.

Several door prizes and auction items will be available. This promises to be a great event, designed to raise money for our Council's charity programs during the coming year. If you're a professional or business owner, consider taking advantage of this tremendous advertising opportunity. If you want to play or be a sponsor, contact Vince (704/662-3930), Jack Madey (704/662-0220) or Mark Daly (704) 987-4316.

COUNCIL CLOTHING

New shirts emblazoned with our Council number, the KofC crest and the American flag are now available. To order yours, contact Steve Liseski liseski@adelphia.net  `or see Steve at the March 10 social meeting.

FIRST DEGREE

A First Degree exemplification will be held during our social meeting on March 10. A reminder that if you have anyone who has expressed an interest in joining the outstanding Catholic men's group in the United States, get them to sign a form 100 and submit it to Matt Reilly as soon as possible.

KNIGHT & FAMILY OF THE MONTH

Grand Knight Tadvick awarded the Family of the Month award to Fran and Vince Greco. In his comments, the Grand Knight noted that both Fran and Vince are active, not only in the Knights, but also serve the St. Therese family in a number of ways.
The Knight of the Month award went to Joe Sala. The Grand Knight noted that Brother Sala has only been with 7406 for a relatively short time, but has used his talents in several areas of the Council's work as well as the parish.

LENTEN FISH FRYS

The Lenten Fish Frys continue to attract a high number of people on Friday evenings. Attendance is approximately 175 diners and the meals have proven to be a great gathering place for families, while adding some income to our treasury. We'll continue with the dinners on March 7 and 14. On the 14th, the fish fry will be the center of a parish-wide get-together helping to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Plan to bring your family and friends on both of these nights.

FREE THROW CONTEST

Sir Stewart McLamb, our Deputy Grand Knight, reports a very successful 2008 Free Throw Contest. According to McLamb, 20 St. Therese cagers took part in the contest along with seven from St. Mark's. Helping to run the contest were eight Squires and five members from our Council.

District winners from St. Therese included Sean Kolsar, Justin Kolsar, Jessica Alvarez and Jessica Ballentine. Four players from St. Mark's also were named district winners. State champions to be crowned April 12.

COUNCIL GET WELL BASKETS

Brother Joe Sala reported that he had delivered four get-well baskets to Council members who are ill. The baskets were delivered to Bill Muccio, Ed Kane, Will Campagna and past Grand Knight Ken Fusaro. All of us are asked to remember these four in our prayers.

RELAY FOR LIFE

The annual Relay for Life to help stamp out cancer will be held on Friday, May 30th at Mooresville High School. Starting at three in the afternoon, the relay continues until nine on Saturday morning. According to Sir Stewart McLamb, this year's goal is to raise $200,000 to fight cancer. Last year, the event was responsible for $168,000. The money is raised by pledges from the various teams partaking in the event. Our Council traditionally donates $500 as a team sponsor. Last year, we also sold soft drinks and food at the event in order to raise more money. Volunteers are needed in several areas to make this even successful. Contact Stewart at stewartm@farnsworthlogistics.com  for more information.

BLOOD DRIVE

Our next Red Cross blood drive will be held on March 8. Sign up through Clayton Brown dabohart@aol.com.

POTPOURRI

New Third Degree members are Russ Crimi and Jim Evans.

Sir Matt Reilly is asking for names of candidates to be considered for our three $500 scholarships to be awarded at the end of the school year.

The Council voted to send a check for $250 to the family of an Air Force sergeant whose acoustic child's medical bills are not being covered by insurance. The sergeant is on duty in Iraq.

LAMB certificates of appreciation were presented to Wal-Mart, Harris Teeter and Lowes Food Stores.

As of February 25, our checkbook balance was $3,985 and our building fund was $56,391.

BIRTHDAYS

MARCH